| Paramedic Services | Effective Date: April 30, 2019 |
| Topic: Professional Standards and Development Directives | Replaces: May 29, 2015 |
| Subject: Paramedic Graduated Driving Program | Policy No. G.6.1. |
A standardized driving policy will allow new Paramedic Services personnel to become familiar with the response areas, and to adapt themselves to the risks and responsibilities of driving an emergency vehicle. This graduated program will integrate new personnel into full driving privileges and will help to alleviate any challenges.
Effective and safe operation of an emergency vehicle, in extreme conditions is essential for Paramedics. Newly deployed Paramedics are required to manage several specific functions, extending from operational processes to direct patient care. The addition of extreme vehicle operation without a graduated process could result in impact to staff, patients and the public.
Calls 1 to 5:
No regular driving of Paramedic Services vehicles. This limitation allow staff to garner geographical familiarization. During this period of integration, new Paramedics will work with their partner to become confident in close quarter vehicle movement in proximity to the station(s). For this purpose, driving at Paramedic Service station is authorized.
Calls 6-15:
Driving allowed on non-emergent responses (no warning system activation), with the other Paramedic in the front passenger seat, and without patients on board. This limitation will allow for integration into the operation of an ambulance, and with create confidence. During this period of integration, new Paramedics will work with their partner on geographic understanding.
Calls 16-21:
Driving allowed on all response types, with the other Paramedic in the front passenger seat, and without patients on board. This will allow full integration into the role of emergency vehicle operations, while maintaining their partner’s assistance on potential hazards.
Call 22 &>:
Zero restrictions, unless concerns have been raised. It is the responsibility of the Paramedic to advise their Paramedic Superintendent when they have completed their 22 call. The Paramedic Superintendent will authorize the removal of driving restrictions and will document this change.
During the post-orientation, restricted driving period, each new employee will be subject to an observation ride out with a Paramedic Superintendent or Designate. Concerns will be shared with employee and will be documented to the Deputy Chief.
During the graduated driving period, every attempt will be made not to schedule new employees together.
Paramedic Services maintains the authority to modify or extend components of the graduated driving program, based upon individual findings/assessments.